Testimony begins in the Pierre Walker trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Testimony is underway in the trial of Pierre Walker. Walker is charged with murder after a car crash that killed a 61-year-old woman in February of 2013.

Opening statements began Wednesday morning, with testimony starting in the afternoon session. Among the first to testify was Nancy Dziadul. She followed Walker on the highway after he was involved in a crash with a white van. Dziadul testified that she followed Walker for more than 20 minutes before he allegedly crossed the median and crashed into Martha Mintz. According to the 911 call placed by Dziadul, Mintz was killed almost instantly.

“The driver in the PT Cruiser, this woman is deceased … She’s deceased. I have an EMT right here. He was the fella in the silver truck following,” Dziadul said in the call.

Officials say Walker was impaired at the time. He had been in and out of jail and court before the crash. Over the last 10 years, Walker has faced 43 charges in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, including three DWI charges.

In addition to Dziadul’s testimony, a driver who was behind the victim also testified.